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Taira Ohara’Lambert was a standout player in the shooting circle all season for Otamatea Ex.
The Otamatea Ex netball side took back the Rodney Netball Centre Premier Grade crown last month on top of an unbeaten season.
The team won all 10 of its round robin games before beating Ruggals 68-45 in the final.
Otamatea Ex captain Maree Stewart says the team was happy to win after losing the title to Ruawai Jetz last year.
“It’s a good feeling to get the result after all our hard work during the season,” Maree says.
She says despite a dominant score line it wasn’t the team’s best game of the year, but still a clinical one.
“We kept our error rate low and our shooters capitalised on all of our opportunities.
“We didn’t think we would win by that much and having a big first quarter lead meant we were never playing catch up during the game.”
She says the key to the game plan involved a quick and accurate transition between defence and attack.
Maree also praised her teams’ attitude and the umpires who allowed for a competitive and flowing game.
“Sam Phillips, our goal keep, was the top player for me in the final with the way she disrupted the Ruggals shooters, who were strong players.”
No squad has been confirmed for next season, but Maree says the team will likely defend its title and will welcome new players to bolster the side.
Other senior grades winners were Mahurangi Ex, Tomarata 1, Warkworth 2, Otamatea 2 and Kaipara Flats 4.
In the Junior A Grade final, Mangawhai 3 took down Otamatea 5 29-25, while Mangawhai 4 and Snells Beach 1 were victors in the Junior B Grade and Junior C grade.
At the Rodney Netball Centre prize giving last month, Kelly Ayres won the Ellen Cooper Memorial Silver Plate for club contributions.
The Manager Award went to Karen Platt, coach of the Mangawhai 3 and Year 8 Rep team and manager of the Rodney Netball Academy.
The Mary Fabricius Memorial Cup for services to netball was awarded to Lynette Gubb, and Lorraine Collins received a life membership to the centre.
Rodney was recognised for winning both the Oldfield Shield and Oldfield Senior Challenge.
